Hyundai announces two more ways to get into an IONIQ Electric: ad-based car sharing and subscription ownership

17 November 2016

At AutoMobility LA, Hyundai announced two new ways for drivers to get into the new IONIQ Electric: the “Ioniq Unlimited” electric vehicle subscription, and a partnership with car-sharing service Waivecar.

Under the “Ioniq Unlimited” electric vehicle subscription-based ownership experience, IONIQ Electric shoppers will be able to select one fixed payment that includes unlimited mileage, electric charging costs, scheduled maintenance, wear items and all typical purchase fees such as registration. The Ioniq Unlimited ownership experience begins availability in California in early 2017.

Ioniq Unlimited, besides offering a negotiation-free single-payment method, allows customers to select their exact vehicle from their preferred dealer’s inventory, choose a 24- or 36-month term, and preview their all-inclusive monthly payment online. Once they complete a credit application and are approved, they go directly to the dealership to complete the purchase. Once at the dealer, there’s no haggling; just sign a few forms and drive away in an advanced emissions-free electric vehicle. Hyundai tried to design the entire process to be the most transparent, stress-free and enjoyable ownership experience on the market today.

The partnership with WaiveCar, the first all-electric car-sharing program that runs on advertising dollars, will expose millions of shoppers to the all-new Hyundai IONIQ electric compact car for free.

The partnership, proposed by WaiveCar as part of Hyundai’s Project IONIQ open call, gives consumers the ability to drive IONIQ EVs on-demand for two hours at no charge. In exchange, the vehicle is wrapped in advertising and includes a roof mounted digital display, which generates the advertising revenue WaiveCar uses to offset costs. WaiveCar's digital displays are 4G connected enabling dynamic, geo-targeted advertising tailored to ones driving location and time of day. For example, while sitting in morning traffic on the 405 freeway, the ad could read, “This commute would be a lot more comfortable in a Hyundai IONIQ.”

The program, which will launch in early 2017, is Hyundai’s first large-scale involvement in car-sharing and is aimed at making it easy for those without a vehicle to access short-term, free, and engaging transportation. Customers can simply download WaiveCar's app for iPhone or Android, find an IONIQ near them, book it and start driving—no cards or keys necessary. WaiveCar then unlocks the door for consumers remotely, where they can find the keys inside. Insurance is also part of the all-inclusive-deal.

Beyond the two free hours, users can continue to drive for $5.99 an hour or return the car at any designated spot for the next user to pick up. This free floating car-sharing model allows more users to use the same car, which reduces congestion and pollution on a much larger scale.

WaiveCar plans to add 150 IONIQs which will be deployed throughout Los Angeles in the first half of 2017. WaiveCar is planning to launch in three additional cities by the end of 2017 using 250 more IONIQs.

Hyundai’s IONIQ is available in three distinct electrified powertrains: the IONIQ electric, IONIQ plug-in and IONIQ hybrid. Regardless of powertrain choice, the platform accommodates five-passengers comfortably and provides the largest cargo capacity in its class. The IONIQ electric models that will go into the WaiveCar fleet provide an EPA-estimated 124 miles of range, and offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging for smartphones.